RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Radiotherapy basics for family physicians. Potent tool for symptom relief.
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 1496
OP 1501
VO 51
IS 11
A1 Rajiv Samant
A1 Adrian Chuen Chiang Gooi
YR 2005
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/51/11/1496.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE To review the use of radiotherapy in cancer care, especially the role of radiation in palliative care. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE MEDLINE was searched from January 1966 to January 2004. Relevant articles evaluating indications for radiotherapy were reviewed. This paper describes use of radiotherapy based on well established current radiotherapy practices and level I and II evidence. MAIN MESSAGE A substantial number of patients seeing family physicians develop cancer or die of it. Despite its effectiveness, radiotherapy remains underused in management of cancer patients. Broad uses of radiotherapy in cancer care include curative treatment, palliative symptom control, and management of oncologic emergencies. Radiotherapy can be especially effective for treating common complications of cancer, including painful bone and soft tissue metastases, hemoptysis, dyspnea, dysphagia, brain metastases, and spinal cord compression. CONCLUSION Radiotherapy is a vital aspect of both curative and palliative cancer treatment. Understanding the basics of radiotherapy can assist family physicians in providing complete care for their cancer patients.